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Supporting community a core objective of Bata
MAHMUDUL HASAN
The core objective of Bata is not only to make shoes for profit but also to contribute to the community by providing employment and improving lives, according to Monica Pignal Bata, chairman of the Bata Shoe Organization.
“My grandfather believed that we are not just a company that makes shoes solely for profit, but we want to improve lives by making shoes for people,” she said.
Monica explained how the company’s goal goes beyond just making shoes.
“It is related to the improvement of communities. For example, when we arrived in Bangladesh, we were providing employment for many people, including numerous women for the first time, and that is the greatest thing we can give someone. We try to be very responsible contributors to every community we are in.”
Monica visited Bangladesh for the first time to celebrate its Founder’s Day on September 21, a global event for Bata that commemorates the company’s remarkable journey.
The event brings together employees, customers, and communities worldwide to unite in the spirit of togetherness.
Founder’s Day holds immense significance for Bata as it marks the anniversary of the company’s establishment back in 1894 by Monica’s grandfather.
“I came to celebrate Founder’s Day, which was established to commemorate, to some extent, the founding of Bata by my grandfather and his siblings. It’s a global event for Bata Shoe Organization,” she added.
Bata is a global footwear manufacturer and retailer, operating in more than 70 countries and serving millions of customers worldwide.
During her stay in Bangladesh, she visited BCP School to witness the impact of the Bata Children’s Programme.
It was then that Bata announced its global partnership with SOS Children’s Villages International.
SOS Children is the world’s largest organisation focused on ensuring that children and young people without parental care or at risk of losing it grow up with the relationships and support needed to become their strongest selves.
She said their primary focus at Bata is to demonstrate their strong bond with the countries within which they operate.
“In Bangladesh, we have very deep roots with a rich history of 60 years, and we feel a very close connection to this country, which holds an enormous amount of potential.”
She spent the entire day with children that she described as a “wonderful surprise”.
“It’s a day when we come together across the world to share a glimpse of our values, what we stand for, and what is important to us. Our aim is to improve lives.”
Monica also said she is very pleased with her first trip to Bangladesh and that she considers herself privileged to be here.
According to her, Bata Children’s Programme is unique and has a volunteering system within its employees.
“It’s not the management that decides what to do. There is a Bata Children’s Programme committee that can be made up of anyone who works for Bata. They decide which projects they would like to work on.”
“We aim to empower children and emphasise mentorship. We have Bata employees who contribute their time, not just money.”
Asked about the role of innovation in the global expansion of Bata, she said innovation is paramount for the company.
“It’s absolutely crucial for us, and innovation is the key to our success.”
“We spend so much time trying to improve our products. We try to improve the style, comfort, and even the materials used.”
Monica said the company is also conscientious about sustainability, global warming, and climate issues.
“We are very interested in the circular economy. Even in our factories, we try to have the most sustainable facilities. Here in Bangladesh, I walked through the factory and it is exceptionally clean. We do not use any toxic materials.”
Monica’s grandfather, the first Tomas Bata, came from what was then Czechoslovakia,